This is a pretty personal insight, and it may not correspond with other people’s views about how to deal with sobriety or recovery, but my goes as follows:

Starting with the Reframe App was a pretty good start, but after two weeks of reducing alcohol intake, I felt it was not enough. I had the feeling to reach out, but didn’t know exactly where. I must say I had the feeling of being too stigmatized to contact the AA or go to a therapist.

Only after using the propriety AI of Reframe (which was, then, for free within the paid program of the app, now it is an extra subscription), I felt it would be a good idea to go more public, get more input and at the same give more output.

I subscribed to a program, I started writing a diary, I listened to podcasts, watching videos on YT and reading books.

In all the different media types and channels, a couple of things became obvious to me:

1. I wanted to be engaged in a meaningful group (but still not the AA).
2. I wanted to write a blog
3. I wanted to get in contact with other people

Writing a blog was the easiest (aside from journaling and watchin/listening/reading input). I felt it was meaningful and it gives me the opportunity to reflect on my recovery in a different way than a journal.

This is when I decided to start a podcast myself, on a less regular base. It has a more personal touch, but still it is a bit from-a-distance. And it will not focus only on sobriety. I guess it will be more generally be a podcast about self esteem and self efficacy.

Of course it is great to share my thoughts in writing and audio. But I have the feeling there is more.

After opening up to friends, family and coworkers, I decided that I want to write a memoir about my journey of recovery. Not necessarily about my drinking habits, but more the transformation after quitting.

And, then, I will share my experience by meeting with likeminded people, but still not AA. Don’t ask me why, but I don’t really feel like joining…)

All in all, I think, the multiple approaches to dealing with my sobriety gives it something meaningful to me, and if it is one thing I learned so far on my (honestly speaking still short) journey of recovery, it is self efficacy and meaningful actions that determine my rewards to give me a life that will keep me away from drinking for good.

Until then, take one step at a time and don’t lose the faith in yourself.